DIY Workshops at Earth Week

Photo by Laura Foltz.
Students learn how to reduce their carbon footprint.

By Broadside Staff Writer Kristen White

Earth Day should not be just one designated day of the year. In the back of our minds, we should always try and consider the size of the carbon footprint we are leaving behind. In the spirit of Earth Week, four Do It Yourself Workshops were held on Tuesday in Student Union Building II. Christine Kauffman, a junior biology major with experience in wildlife rehabilitation, was the organizer of these workshops.

She worked with the students to give them small tips on living a “greener” life.

“The workshops emphasize the importance of using local resources as well as creating things with our own hands and not off the backs of others,” Kauffman said.

The first event was “Grow Your Own Native Plant,” where students came to plant seeds in small pots. Anna Braum, a junior integrative studies major and horticulturalist, taught students about how native plants benefit the area.

“Not all of your seeds will germinate, but if they do, you can transplant them into your yard after the frost is gone. Be careful because of their delicate roots,” Braum said.

The benefits of planting native plants are the prevention of invasive plants, their low maintenance and beauty since they are already adapted to the Northern Virginia climate, and the fact that the native wildlife is already accustomed to them.

Another tip for gardening is chemicals should never be used in a typical backyard garden.

“Chemicals are bad for the wildlife and the runoff from lawns goes into the Chesapeake Bay to kill fish and pollute the water,” Kauffman said.

The next workshop was “Hack Your T-Shirt” where Kauffman taught students how to turn their old T-shirts into other handy items like reusable bags, halter tops and tank tops. Stencils, paint, scissors, stamps, sewing materials, feathers and many other materials were spread out on the floor to transform these T-shirts.

They are all simple and creative tasks that anyone can do. To make a reusable handbag, cut the sleeves off of the T-shirt, cut the collar (the back and the front) into a larger U-shape, then sew across the bottom edge of the shirt. All you need after that is some style and decoration.

Another activity was based on green cleaning, where junior and global affairs major Katie Partlow told students some tips about being conscious of cleaning products. Cleaning with vinegar, baking soda and salt is more environmentally friendly, cheaper, and not tested on animals. Instead of using Windex to clean windows, a mixed spray of vinegar and water can also be used.

The last activity was vegan cooking, where Kauffman cooked and introduced students to a stir-fry recipe and handed out other easy recipes. In the stir-fry she cooked, Kauffman put seitan (a protein-rich meat substitute made from gluten, a by-product of wheat), ginger, garlic, rice and vegetables. Having a vegan diet reduces the impact on the environment since less fossil fuels are used to produce plant foods. This lowers the pollution rates, resource depletion and animal suffering. Whole Foods and the local farmers’ markets are great places to buy ingredients for these vegan recipes.

By taking part in these small methods, our environment can slowly be saved. “Think about your purchases. Often our money speaks greater volumes than any form of protest and our purchasing decisions can play a major role in what our society creates or destroys,” Kauffman said.